“She’s always dancing around the house!” “He is obsessed with Twitch from So You Think You Can Dance!” “She insists on wearing a tutu every day to school.”

There are many reasons we choose to sign our child up for dance class, and while there’s no doubt it’s tons of fun, your little dancer is getting much more out of his or her experience than just exercise and technique.

Motor skills and coordination.

These are pretty obvious physical benefits of dance class. Many sport coaches will even notice the difference in skills – especially balance and flexibility – between their athletes who dance and those who do not.

Creativity and self expression.

Little minds are being stimulated by so much great stuff in dance class! Props, instruments, costumes, and fun music make it a real imagination adventure! Imagery is something that will be a tool for the rest of their dance career as well.

Focus.

Dance requires both mind and body focus, along with retention skills. It’s great practice for children who are over-stimulated all day long to have that time when they are only expected to concentrate on one thing. They can take that ability to turn off the “extra stuff” in their daily lives.

Structure, self control and self discipline.

Many dance studios will allow students as young as 2 years old to take a dance class. It won’t happen immediately, but a good teacher will have those students under control eventually! Learning the structure of a dance class can then help them pick up the structure of an academic classroom more quickly.

Accountability.

While dance is not often referred to as a sport, there are a lot of team-building aspects. Dancers rely on each other to be dedicated to classes and rehearsals so that when it comes time to take the stage, the dance is polished and looks amazing. This is especially true if the routine will be used for competitions.

Confidence and accomplishment.

If you’ve never seen the look on your child’s face after a successful performance – buckle up. It is pretty fantastic! They know how hard they have worked and now they get to feel very proud of themselves for it. That head-held-high feeling has a good chance of following them outside the studio as well.

]]>http://blog.allaboutdance.com/2014/07/08/the-many-benefits-of-taking-dance-class/feed/0Surviving Your First Summer Intensivehttp://blog.allaboutdance.com/2014/06/20/surviving-your-first-summer-intensive/
http://blog.allaboutdance.com/2014/06/20/surviving-your-first-summer-intensive/#commentsFri, 20 Jun 2014 22:13:27 +0000http://blog.allaboutdance.com/?p=27272Summertime for dancers is full of options. Some people take a break, some take class at their studio, some cross train in different areas such as yoga or pilates, and many attend a summer intensive.

If you’re not familiar, a summer intensive is basically a program hosted by a dance company or school structured for teenage and young adult students. Summer intensives are called summer intensives for a reason. The schedule is intense to say the least. Students commonly attend daily required technique classes in their emphasized area of training, and then attend elective classes of different styles, choreography workshops, dance and technology seminars, makeup and costume workshops, performances, and more depending on the program. They often have experience with “big name” instructors and choreographers as well. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain exposure in the dance world, make friends, get inspired and learn A LOT!

If you or your student are heading off to your first intensive this summer, here are some tips to make the best out of your experience.

Do Your Homework

Make sure you read all of the material that the program sends you, and plan accordingly. Perhaps you are traveling to a different region with a different climate. You will want to pack clothes that are weather appropriate. Also review what the program will provide and what you need to bring – towels and bedding, for example. Obviously take note of the class dress code, and bring some nice outfits for attending performances.

Branch Out

This may be your only opportunity to try a new style or take a well-known teacher’s class. Do it! Even if you, as a ballerina, are terrified of hip-hop for example, give it a go. You might surprise yourself. The last thing you want to do when you’re leaving is regret not taking chances. Who knows – maybe you’ll unlock a hidden talent!

Smile

Simply put – just be nice. Try and find a small group of dancers right away who can be your buddies during the experience. Nothing has to be BFF status, but if you go on field trips or big performances it’s smart to have people looking out for you.

Don’t Worry About Placement Level

Remember that a truly advanced dancer can benefit and learn from a beginner level class. If you happen to be placed at a level you aren’t used to, make the best of it. The people running the intensives know what they are doing and put you there for a reason. Accept it, take advantage of it, and learn. You will leave being extremely proud of yourself.

What stories or advice do you have about summer intensives? Share them here!

]]>http://blog.allaboutdance.com/2014/06/20/surviving-your-first-summer-intensive/feed/0What Are Convertible Tights, and Why Do I Need Them?http://blog.allaboutdance.com/2014/05/29/what-are-convertible-tights-and-why-do-i-need-them/
http://blog.allaboutdance.com/2014/05/29/what-are-convertible-tights-and-why-do-i-need-them/#commentsThu, 29 May 2014 19:00:03 +0000http://blog.allaboutdance.com/?p=27227

As an outsider looking in, dance apparel choices seems simple enough. Tights and leotards for ballet, maybe throw on a pair of pants or shorts for tap and jazz, and you’re good to go. But now your dancer is wanting to take more and more classes with not much time to change outfits in-between, and things get tricky. Fast changes between classes, and especially during recitals can easily become a source of stress for both you and your dancer. Solution? The convertible tight.

Many dancers who are on pointe choose a convertible tight so they can adjust toe pads and wraps quickly and easily. There is definitely no time between grande battement and adagio to run to the changing room!

Smooth studio transitions. If you have a ballet class right before contemporary, you can easily just roll up your tights in order to dance in bare feet.

Some dancers do not like the feel of their foot being constricted in a tight. Especially if a young dancer is sensitive to this, having a place for the foot to “breathe” is comforting.

Fast changes during shows require very precise planning and practice. Being able to roll up a pair of pink tights when you have a costume with pants for jazz, for example, is a great convenience.

Flip flops with footed tights are as bad, if not worse than flip flops with socks. Having convertible tights means you can just roll them up when you’re done with class and throw on a pair of flip flops without shame.

Which do you prefer - convertible or footed tights? Share your thoughts here with our All About Dance community!

]]>http://blog.allaboutdance.com/2014/05/29/what-are-convertible-tights-and-why-do-i-need-them/feed/0You Know You’re a Dance Parent When…http://blog.allaboutdance.com/2014/05/13/you-know-youre-a-dance-parent-when/
http://blog.allaboutdance.com/2014/05/13/you-know-youre-a-dance-parent-when/#commentsTue, 13 May 2014 21:06:12 +0000http://blog.allaboutdance.com/?p=27164We asked, and you answered! Some of our beloved Facebook friends took the time to finish the sentence “You know you’re a dance parent when …” Here is what they had to say!

… your kids’ dance costumes look better than your car! – Kerri Sykes

When you know what a dream duffel is and don’t care how much the biggest one costs because it’s a necessity! – Arlene Hernandez

When you are looking for something in your purse and all there is is bobby pins, sock bun, and a small bottle of hairspray! – Lissette McElligott

You always have hair pins in your pockets and whenever you look at stuff you think of ways to stone it because everything looks better stoned! – Jocelyne J. Delaney

When I start driving to the studio in the morning when I am supposed to be driving to work. (Don’t drive that route much.) – Catherine Matusik Baugh

When you say sorry, I can’t do that because my daughter has dance! When am I free? Never. My daughter has dance! – Justina Cason Duke

… you bring lawn chairs, pillow, and blankets to take over a hotel lobby while your child competes and does a convention for 18 hours. – Tamika Easterday

You are hours from competition thinking about how stressful it is and how much it exhausts the whole family while simultaneously searching YouTube for next year’s solo music. – Tilla Rianne Ham

You borrow your daughter’s makeup for a big night out, because she has the good stuff.” – Stephanie Brewer

It’s finally happening. Summer is just around the corner, and after a winter that lasted entirely too long for many of us, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than by updating your dance looks with inspiration directly from the runway. Here are some of our favorite trends, and the dance apparel to go along with them.

Trend: Pastel Lace and Flowers

It’s very hip to be lady-like this summer. Here are some lovely lace and pastel options you can bring into class or to the stage!

Congratulations! You’ve made it through an entire year of dance class. You’re more familiar with putting tights on your child, and tying teeny tiny little ribbons on her dance shoes than you ever imagined. So now the time has come. Recital time. Don’t panic! Here are some helpful hints to get you through.

Pay attention. All of those flyers, handouts and emails you have been receiving with recital information are actually really important. Read them closely. Organization is key to a successful recital experience.

Form a mommy alliance. Reach out to a few moms (and dads) from your child’s dance class in case you have a recital-related question. The studio is really busy this time of year, so they will appreciate your independent problem solving.

Costume preparation. When you get your costume, have your dancer try it on and dance around a bit. This is the best way to see what needs adjusting or fastening. The last thing you need is a costume malfunction in the middle of “Good Ship Lollipop.”

Put together an emergency kit. It should include things like safety pins, hair spray, clear nail polish for tight runs, makeup, water, snacks, and the list goes on. Also pack some backstage entertainment like coloring pages for between dance wait time.

Arrive early. There might be unforeseen parking or seating issues you have to resolve. You also want enough time to get your dancer settled with his or her group. Especially for young dancers, separation anxiety can set in when it’s time to say goodbye to mom.

Don’t forget the flowers! Luckily most recitals will have flowers available for sale, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Just remember that no matter how much you prepare, something unexpected will happen – and it’s okay! We’ve all been there, and there’s always someone close by to help.

Enjoy the show!

]]>http://blog.allaboutdance.com/2014/04/15/6-tips-for-your-childs-first-dance-recital/feed/0Dance Parent Survival Guidehttp://blog.allaboutdance.com/2014/04/08/dance-parent-survival-guide/
http://blog.allaboutdance.com/2014/04/08/dance-parent-survival-guide/#commentsTue, 08 Apr 2014 17:00:03 +0000http://blog.allaboutdance.com/?p=26706Being the parent of a dancer is much more involved than one might think. Here are a few tips to prepare you for years and years of leotard-purchasing, recital-attending fun.

Pick the Right Studio.

Depending on where you live this could be as simple as one choice, or very complicated. Some studios are stricter than others, some are heavy into competitions, and some are very low-key and relaxed. Figure out how dedicated your dancer wants to be and make your choice from there.

Be prepared to spend money.

Dance is an investment. You will be purchasing classes, shoes, apparel, and costumes. Does your dancer want to compete? Add on travel expenses and entry fees, as well as possibly paying for choreography and private lessons.

There will be tears.

Sometimes they will be happy tears, and sometimes sad ones. Dancers tend to be their own harshest critic, so if your child isn’t happy with her performance either in class or on stage, she might get upset. Dance is extremely physically and mentally demanding, so be prepared.

Making dance parent friends is a choice.

Don’t feel pressure to become “real life” friends with all the other dance parents. Waiting rooms can get a little cramped, and you might be spending hours with these people. Obviously be friendly, but don’t feel pressure to form a more in-depth relationship. If one naturally forms, that’s great!

Go to as many performances as possible.

Get as many family members as you can to go with you too! Your child has worked really hard. One of the many amazing things that dance teaches a child is discipline. They deserve to have their hard work and dedication acknowledged. These life-lessons extend far beyond the studio too!

Most importantly, enjoy the ride. There’s a lot involved in being a part of the dance world, but you will soon see that it’s all worth it.

It’s no secret to the non-dancer some of our outfit choices are a bit peculiar. If you have a younger dancer you may see some of the older dancers running around the studio with one leg warmer on, or wearing a little elastic belt over her leotard. That leotard is pretty tight – there doesn’t seem to be a need for a belt. But, in actuality, there is a method to the dance apparel madness.

First, let’s look at the in-class attire. The dancewear of course depends on the style of the class. Tap class is going to allow much looser fitting attire than ballet class. Speaking of ballet, this is the strictest of the disciplines as far as attire goes. There is a reason for pink (or white) tights. The light color of the tights creates a more prominent shadow, therefore highlighting the muscles of the legs, and making it easier for teachers to give corrections. In a modern or jazz class, it’s likely that black tights are perfectly acceptable.

The reason for the tight-fitting leotard is pretty self-explanatory. It’s another tool that allows teachers to see the dancer’s body and movement more clearly so they can make the proper corrections. If you see the little elastic band around a dancer’s waist or hips, this is a tool for the teacher to check the hip placement of the dancer. It’s also a great tool for the dancer to self-correct by using the mirror. Many positions in ballet require hips to be level, so a brightly contrasting belt is very helpful.

Every dancer lovers her warm-ups. We wear them between classes and during the very beginning of class. We get to express our personality through legwarmer color choice, or a fun striped wrap sweater. They are called warm-ups because they aid in assuring that the muscles are warm and ready for movement, preventing injury. The girl wearing the one legwarmer probably has an injury to that area and wants to keep it warm and safe from further injury.

Rest assured, if your studio has a rather strict dress code, there is a reason for it. Just take advantage of those moments of dance fashion freedom and splurge on a new pair of funky legwarmers when you can!

What is the strangest thing you’ve seen dancers wearing at your studio? Share your story with us here!

]]>http://blog.allaboutdance.com/2014/03/03/why-is-my-dancer-wearing-that/feed/0Dance Goals for the New Yearhttp://blog.allaboutdance.com/2014/01/01/dance-goals-for-the-new-year/
http://blog.allaboutdance.com/2014/01/01/dance-goals-for-the-new-year/#commentsWed, 01 Jan 2014 20:30:41 +0000http://blog.allaboutdance.com/?p=262912014 is here and it’s the perfect time to define new goals for your upcoming dance season! Whether you want to master a new step, take a new class, or audition for your dream summer program, you can take steps toward reaching your new goal starting today.

Here are some tips to help you stay on track!

1. Write down your goals and put the list somewhere you will see it every day.

2. Make your goals specific and realistic.

3. Create a plan to help you reach your goals one step at a time.

4. Talk to your parents, a dance instructor, a mentor, or school advisor about your goals and see if they might have experienced advice on helping you on your way.

5. Be positive and don’t be upset by setbacks.

What are your dance goals for 2014? What goals have you accomplished in the past? Share your stories here with other dancers today!

]]>http://blog.allaboutdance.com/2014/01/01/dance-goals-for-the-new-year/feed/0Teenagers Starting Dancehttp://blog.allaboutdance.com/2013/10/14/teenagers-starting-dance/
http://blog.allaboutdance.com/2013/10/14/teenagers-starting-dance/#commentsTue, 15 Oct 2013 00:15:05 +0000http://blog.allaboutdance.com/?p=24381If you are a teenager who is curious about starting dance class: no, it’s not too late! Although many serious pre-professional dance programs encourage training to start in the earlier childhood years, there are plenty of dance classes out there for teens who want to give dancing a try.

Whether the goal is to have fun learning the latest hip hop moves, or to become an aspiring classical dancer, the first step is to research all of the local dance studios to see which will be the best fit for you.

Visit the studio website to view class offerings, photos, teacher biographies, and get a general feel for the school. Once you find several studios you are like, give the school a call to learn more. Tell them the reasons you’d like to start dance and see what type of classes they suggest. If you are looking for fun and recreation, or want to catch up in ballet class as quickly as possible, make your intentions clear.

The most important step is scheduling a visit to observe or take part in a class. Talk with other teens at the school to find out why they like their class.

Once you find the right class for you, you’ll be on your way to enjoying all the wonderful benefits dance has to offer. Because some dancers may have started at a younger age, be patient with your progress and don’t compare yourself to others. With some time and practice, you’ll be dancing to your heart’s desire in no time.

Did you know there are quite a few professional dancers who didn’t get a start until they were in their teens? Soloists such as Misty Copeland of ABT, Darcey Bussell of The Royal Ballet, and David Hallberg of ABT, all began serious training at the age of 13. Beginning at this age for a professional career takes a bit of talent combined with a great deal of hard work, dedication, and specialized training. But there are many dancers across many disciplines that got a start later in life.

Are you a dancer who started dancing in your teen years? Share your story with other dancers here!